Reviews

In the Stacks by Scott Lynch

milind's review

adventurous fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No

3.25

ashleylm's review

4.0

Fun! I think it might have been just the tiniest bit better if it were shorter or longer, I thought it was at that awkward stage. But he's a skillful and inventive writer, and it was enjoyable to see his take on such a different milieu--and it was a good enough idea that I wouldn't mind something heftier in the same location.

(Note: 5 stars = amazing, wonderful, 4 = very good book, 3 = decent read, 2 = disappointing, 1 = awful, just awful. I'm fairly good at picking for myself so end up with a lot of 4s). I feel a lot of readers automatically render any book they enjoy 5, but I grade on a curve!

anommihs's review

3.0

3.5 stars - a little conflicted about this one. For me, I would've preferred if it was more either more dark magic with a side of humour. Or just humour with a hint of darkness. I didn't connect to the characters much unfortunately.

bookaneer's review

3.0

If you need to wear full armors to fight monsters just to return a book and pass your exam then it surely will be an interesting adventure. It started out that way but then there was this plot line that defied such a hype and significantly lowered the stakes.
I do appreciate the idea of a magical library that fights back and all, but not the overall execution. Nevertheless, it has been years since my last Lynch so I am glad I read this if it's just to quench my thirst before The Thorns of Emberlain.

liesljrowe's review

4.0

A sentient library which is a labyrinth to walk through and where librarians are grizzled warriors in order to survive its many terrors? Sign me up! I love the whole premise of this and the story goes in some interesting directions. We get a definite sense of the different characters, even if they aren't the most developed as the result of the story's length. I personally would've liked more from Inappropriate Levity "Lev", love the concept of that character and he was hilarious. Nice twist at the end too! Not my favourite of Scott Lynch's stories (but then again, I've come to expect a high standard from his work), but an excellent yarn no less.

jedbird's review

3.0

An imaginative trifle with a clever premise. The characters are barely sketched out, though what little there is to them is likable. The library they explore is a character in its own right, and the most interesting one by far. I enjoyed the story, but it compares unfavorably with Locke Lamora, which I adore, so perhaps I'm judging it too harshly. Despite my reservations about this little story, I'd love to see a more substantial book about the library and its intrepid librarians.

lizabethstucker's review

4.0

Magical student Laszlo Jazera discovers the dangers of the final assignment for Fifth Year, one he must pass to make it to Sixth Year. It seemed simple enough, return a book to the Living Library. The task will be more frightening and intense than he could ever have expected. There is a tragic sadness throughout this story, but the universe created is horrifyingly compelling. 4.5 out of 5.

bookmeanderings's review

4.0

I enjoyed this short story. It could have definitely been a little longer and had some more action/details. I loved the "living library" and I would have loved to learn more about it.

tomtomnana's review

5.0

Lively characters and dynamic writing as always.
Magic,*books*, humour, everything weaves seamlessly together into an entertaining, original and compelling adventure perfect for all the bookworms out there

thiefofcamorr's review

5.0

A very fantastic audiobook of one of Scott's short stories. The hosts were a bit difficult to listen to - perhaps the audio should have been monitored for being too loud, and for echoing at the end.

The casting was very good. It would have been even better if they had spoken without their accents, but it was pretty damn good.